Manhattan Building Collapses; Law Proposes Shrinking Drug-Free Zones

An explosion tore through an area of Manhattan's East Harlem neighborhood early on Wednesday, collapsing two buildings. There were fatalities reported and dozens injured. All Metro-North service was suspended as all Metro-North trains in and out of New York City use the rail lines adjacent to the blast zone.

Law Proposes Shrinking Drug-Enforcement Zones

A new law proposes making drug enforcement zones around schools smaller. It's a measure aimed at strengthening a law that's been on the books since 1987. Currently, if you're convicted of possessing or selling drugs within 1,500 feet of a school, you're subject to mandatory jail terms. A judiciary committee hearing on the issue was held today in Hartford.

Blumenthal Named Chair of Senate Armed Services Subcommittee

Senator Richard Blumenthals been selected as chairman of the Senate Armed Services subcommittee. Blumenthalbased Sikorsky Aircraft, with current and future military needs.

PURA Curtails Tree Trimming

Connecticut regulators are asking the two largest utilities in the state to scale back their tree-trimming programs. This comes following criticism by property owners, government officials, environmental advocates and other groups. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority made the request on Tuesday to Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating.

Lawmakers Back Bill to Create Retirement Accounts for Private-Sector Workers

Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney and House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz say they’re supporting a bill that would create a state-administered retirement savings plan for private-sector workers. They say they want to make sure Connecticut retirees have an opportunity to generate retirement income in addition to Social Security.

Measles Cases Reported in Fairfield County

The Department of Public Health has notified health care providers and local health departments about two confirmed cases of measles in Fairfield County last week. Health department officials say the two cases— an infant and an adult — are unrelated.